"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia
AARSCHOT, Belgium: During the week, Ivonne Janssens, 57, is a hospital cleaner. But come the weekend, she climbs the narrow steps of a three-story medieval tower and turns into a 14th-century duchess with a faux-emerald necklace, a linen headdress, a leather satchel full of fake gold coins, and a retinue of mercenaries to fend off invading French knights. Her husband, Daniel Grandjean, a 50-year-old furniture maker with a pot belly and bushy beard, becomes an axe-wielding soldier-for-hire. It was he who convinced the council in this sleepy Flemish town to let the couple live part time in the 700-year-old Sint-Rochus tower, where guards once stood watch to prevent Aarschot, then built of wood and straw, from catching fire. When not inhabiting the tower, the spouses sleep in a medieval-replica bed at home. They avoid eating tomatoes or drinking coffee because Columbus had yet to discover America in the Middle Ages and such foods were not available in what was to become Belgium. Carrots are also off the menu because they grow in the ground and the medieval church deemed them the food of the devil.
Her husband, Daniel Grandjean, a 50-year-old furniture maker with a pot belly and bushy beard, becomes an axe-wielding soldier-for-hire. It was he who convinced the council in this sleepy Flemish town to let the couple live part time in the 700-year-old Sint-Rochus tower, where guards once stood watch to prevent Aarschot, then built of wood and straw, from catching fire.
When not inhabiting the tower, the spouses sleep in a medieval-replica bed at home. They avoid eating tomatoes or drinking coffee because Columbus had yet to discover America in the Middle Ages and such foods were not available in what was to become Belgium. Carrots are also off the menu because they grow in the ground and the medieval church deemed them the food of the devil.
Konings argues that little Belgium, better known for its beer than its heroic past, is fed up with being the laughingstock of Europe.
Belgium, the laughingstock of Europe?
Pining for power?
Wha...??!
(Oh, I see, it's the IHT. That explains it.)
Geneticists have added an edge to a 2,500-year-old debate over the origin of the Etruscans, a people whose brilliant and mysterious civilization dominated northwestern Italy for centuries until the rise of the Roman republic in 510 B.C. Several new findings support a view held by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus - but unpopular among archaeologists - that the Etruscans originally migrated to Italy from the Near East. Though Roman historians played down their debt to the Etruscans, Etruscan culture permeated Roman art, architecture and religion. The Etruscans were master metallurgists and skillful seafarers who for a time dominated much of the Mediterranean. They enjoyed unusually free social relations, much remarked on by ancient historians of other cultures. Etruscan culture was very advanced and very different from other Italian cultures of the time. But most archaeologists have seen a thorough continuity between a local Italian culture known as the Villanovan that emerged around 900 B.C. and the Etruscan culture, which began in 800 B.C. "The overwhelming proportion of archaeologists would regard the evidence for eastern origins of the Etruscans as negligible," said Anthony Tuck, an archaeologist at the University of Massachusetts. Even so, a nagging question has remained. Could the Etruscans have arrived from somewhere else in the Mediterranean world? One hint of such an origin is that the Etruscan language, which survives in thousands of inscriptions, appears not to be Indo-European, the language family that started to sweep across Europe sometime after 8,500 years ago, developing into Latin, English and many other tongues. Another hint is the occurrence of inscriptions in a language apparently related to Etruscan on Lemnos, a Greek island. But whether Lemnian is the parent language of Etruscan, or the other way around, is not yet clear, said Rex Wallace, an expert on Etruscan linguistics at the University of Massachusetts.
Though Roman historians played down their debt to the Etruscans, Etruscan culture permeated Roman art, architecture and religion. The Etruscans were master metallurgists and skillful seafarers who for a time dominated much of the Mediterranean. They enjoyed unusually free social relations, much remarked on by ancient historians of other cultures.
Etruscan culture was very advanced and very different from other Italian cultures of the time. But most archaeologists have seen a thorough continuity between a local Italian culture known as the Villanovan that emerged around 900 B.C. and the Etruscan culture, which began in 800 B.C.
"The overwhelming proportion of archaeologists would regard the evidence for eastern origins of the Etruscans as negligible," said Anthony Tuck, an archaeologist at the University of Massachusetts.
Even so, a nagging question has remained. Could the Etruscans have arrived from somewhere else in the Mediterranean world?
One hint of such an origin is that the Etruscan language, which survives in thousands of inscriptions, appears not to be Indo-European, the language family that started to sweep across Europe sometime after 8,500 years ago, developing into Latin, English and many other tongues. Another hint is the occurrence of inscriptions in a language apparently related to Etruscan on Lemnos, a Greek island. But whether Lemnian is the parent language of Etruscan, or the other way around, is not yet clear, said Rex Wallace, an expert on Etruscan linguistics at the University of Massachusetts.
SANJIAZI, China: Seated cross- legged in her farmhouse on the kang, a brick sleeping platform warmed by a fire below, Meng Shujing lifted her chin and sang a lullaby in Manchu, softly but clearly. After several verses, the 82-year-old widow stopped, her eyes shining. "Baby, please fall asleep quickly," she said, translating a few lines of the song into Chinese. "Once you fall asleep, Mama can go to work. I need to set the fire, cook and feed the pigs." After 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, Meng has the confidence that comes from long experience. "If you sing like this, a baby gets sleepy right away," she said. She also knows that most experts believe the day is approaching when no child will doze off to the sound of these comforting words. Meng is one of 18 residents of this isolated village in northeastern China, all older than 80, who, according to Chinese linguists and historians, are the last native speakers of Manchu.
After several verses, the 82-year-old widow stopped, her eyes shining.
"Baby, please fall asleep quickly," she said, translating a few lines of the song into Chinese. "Once you fall asleep, Mama can go to work. I need to set the fire, cook and feed the pigs."
After 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, Meng has the confidence that comes from long experience. "If you sing like this, a baby gets sleepy right away," she said.
She also knows that most experts believe the day is approaching when no child will doze off to the sound of these comforting words.
Meng is one of 18 residents of this isolated village in northeastern China, all older than 80, who, according to Chinese linguists and historians, are the last native speakers of Manchu.
West Coast seabirds are dying, apparently from a lack of food -- and some researchers think the phenomenon may be linked to global climate change. This is the third year that scientists have found unusually large numbers of marine birds -- mainly common murres, but also rhinoceros auklets and tufted puffins -- washed up on beaches in California, Oregon and Washington. In 2005, the first year of the phenomenon, large numbers of Cassin's auklets also died. Hannah Nevins, the coordinator for Moss Landing Marine Laboratories beach survey program, said 253 dead murres were recovered on 11 Monterey Bay beaches during the first week of March. During the past nine years, an average of nine dead birds were collected on the same beaches during the same week, she said. About 180,000 breeding murres live along the West Coast, so it is unlikely the recent spate of deaths is enough to drastically harm the overall population. "But if this continues for multiple years, then we could have real problems," Nevins said. Most of the casualties were young birds that had just gone through their first winter. "They were all in poor condition, and generally had empty stomachs," she said. "Either they were not finding food, or they were unable to capture the food they did find."
This is the third year that scientists have found unusually large numbers of marine birds -- mainly common murres, but also rhinoceros auklets and tufted puffins -- washed up on beaches in California, Oregon and Washington. In 2005, the first year of the phenomenon, large numbers of Cassin's auklets also died.
Hannah Nevins, the coordinator for Moss Landing Marine Laboratories beach survey program, said 253 dead murres were recovered on 11 Monterey Bay beaches during the first week of March. During the past nine years, an average of nine dead birds were collected on the same beaches during the same week, she said.
About 180,000 breeding murres live along the West Coast, so it is unlikely the recent spate of deaths is enough to drastically harm the overall population.
"But if this continues for multiple years, then we could have real problems," Nevins said.
Most of the casualties were young birds that had just gone through their first winter.
"They were all in poor condition, and generally had empty stomachs," she said. "Either they were not finding food, or they were unable to capture the food they did find."
European biofuel producers have complained about unfair competition from imports. In a letter to European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on 19 March, the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) noted that subsidised US imports have been flooding the European market. According to the EBB, "The US trade practice in fact is clearly breaching WTO rules and represents a serious threat to the fair trade of biofuels" at a time when a global biodiesel market is in its early stages of development. Loophole encourages triangular trade Under US policies to support biofuels, not only homegrown, but also imported biofuels that are blended in the US with as little as one percent mineral oil, enjoy a subsidy benefit of one US$ per gallon. This B99 biofuel blend can then be re-exported. When the B99 arrives in Europe, it again benefits from a tax brake on environmental grounds, and out-competes European-produced biodiesel. In practice, a triangular trade has developed, claims the EBB, with US biodiesel refiners importing biodiesel from Brazil, Indonesia or Malaysia, blending in small amounts of mineral diesel to benefit from the subsidy, and immediately re-exporting to Europe.
European biofuel producers have complained about unfair competition from imports. In a letter to European Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson on 19 March, the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) noted that subsidised US imports have been flooding the European market. According to the EBB, "The US trade practice in fact is clearly breaching WTO rules and represents a serious threat to the fair trade of biofuels" at a time when a global biodiesel market is in its early stages of development.
Loophole encourages triangular trade
Under US policies to support biofuels, not only homegrown, but also imported biofuels that are blended in the US with as little as one percent mineral oil, enjoy a subsidy benefit of one US$ per gallon. This B99 biofuel blend can then be re-exported. When the B99 arrives in Europe, it again benefits from a tax brake on environmental grounds, and out-competes European-produced biodiesel. In practice, a triangular trade has developed, claims the EBB, with US biodiesel refiners importing biodiesel from Brazil, Indonesia or Malaysia, blending in small amounts of mineral diesel to benefit from the subsidy, and immediately re-exporting to Europe.
And using gazole to transport it across the seas from Brazil then to the EU, sucking money that is supposed to be spent on truly beneficial projects.
Skinning alive is too good for whoever is making money on this scam. Never underestimate their intelligence, always underestimate their knowledge.
Frank Delaney ~ Ireland
Skinning alive is too good for whoever is making money on this scam.
The money is not made from the scam, it's made exclusively from subsidies. Maybe we should sking alivz the politicians that make such highway robbery possible. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
govt subsidies are often braindead. i particularly love the US ones for "alternative fuels" where power cos can spray oil on coal and get a big subsidy. dumb, dumb dumb.
A note "sur la forme" : casually suggesting torture as a remedy for profiteering, even in jest, does not enhance the credibility of this forum in the wider readership, which Eurotrib should be targeting at this point in it's development. Old school news outlets enjoy pointing out this kind of excess as a reason to dismiss all of a blog's arguments wholesale.
Old school news outlets enjoy pointing out this kind of excess as a reason to dismiss all of a blog's arguments wholesale.
do you think any reasonable person could have taken him seriously?
If it isn't serious, why read it?
I'm sorry to be picking on one post, and person, in particular. But this is the kind of thing that makes blog reading fastidious to me and to some people I've spoken to: "some good stuff...too bad about the comments though".
Ultimately, it's about how wide you want your readership/impact.
You know, the quality of the comments on this blog is a cut above most others.
You should see the Spanish blogs. Another ETer described them to me as "feisty" which I think it's a polite understatement.
Though I do agree with you to a point. DeAnander was on a campaign to get people to stop it with the sexist jokes and set phrases at one point, too.
But if people start policing style like that (say, handing out 2's to people who make less than tasteful jokes) then the same people whom you expect will write off the blog because of the jokes will say it is a humourless bastion of political correctness. "It's the statue, man, The Statue."
Also, I want to make it clear that I am in no way trying to strike a blow for political correctness which I despise, nor am I a fan of the various speech polices running amok. I believe in free, not freeish, speech and I am acutely aware of the dangers posed by self-censorship.
My general point is that Eurotib claims to have a broader purpose, seeking a larger audience. Therefore, when posting here people might ponder whether they are really contributing or just making noise. If that means less "funny" people, less intellectual pontificating, I'm not sure it's a bad thing.
I have no intention of trying to get my mother-in-law* to come here. Really.
* I take it that's what you meant by stepmother (both being translatable by belle-mère in French).
"The English..soooo superior" (A fish Called Wanda:-)
Chávez calls time on holiday booze The trick is to look the barman in the eye and give a short, emphatic nod as you order a Coke. Discreetly the rum tumbles in and discreetly you toast the barman, your accomplice in crime.The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, has banned alcohol in the week leading up to Easter Day to try to cut the number of drink-driving related accidents which soar during the holiday exodus for the beach.For Venezuelans, by some measures Latin America's biggest boozers, the edict has resounded like a clap of thunder. "Revolution? Fine. But with this Chávez has gone too far. This is just crazy, it's extremism," said a 55-year-old who asked not to be named.Normally the motorcycle courier embraced the president's efforts to usher in a socialist revolution, including land reform, the nationalisation of certain industries and rhetorical assaults against the United States. When it came to the dry law, however, this self-professed "chavista" was a counter-revolutionary. "It's the holidays and if I want to drink I'll drink."Many view the ban as bold and enlightened. "I've never liked Chávez but this is a good move. Driving at this time of year is to take your life in your hands," said Veronica Castejon (32) a Caracas salesperson.Others across the region urged their governments to follow suit. "I wish we could adopt the same measure in Colombia," one Medellín resident told the BBC.The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day and between now and then it is illegal to sell alcohol after 5pm. Obtaining a drink after sunset, however, is not so hard. Many of the bars and restaurants still open this week continue service as usual, though with a wink.The police, who also seem to have been surprised by the ban, have ensured that off-licences shut at 5pm but otherwise seem to have turned a blind eye to clandestine consumption.In bars, wine and beer are liable to be served in coffee mugs or polystyrene cups. The atmosphere echoes the Prohibition-era US "speakeasies".
The trick is to look the barman in the eye and give a short, emphatic nod as you order a Coke. Discreetly the rum tumbles in and discreetly you toast the barman, your accomplice in crime.The Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, has banned alcohol in the week leading up to Easter Day to try to cut the number of drink-driving related accidents which soar during the holiday exodus for the beach.For Venezuelans, by some measures Latin America's biggest boozers, the edict has resounded like a clap of thunder. "Revolution? Fine. But with this Chávez has gone too far. This is just crazy, it's extremism," said a 55-year-old who asked not to be named.Normally the motorcycle courier embraced the president's efforts to usher in a socialist revolution, including land reform, the nationalisation of certain industries and rhetorical assaults against the United States. When it came to the dry law, however, this self-professed "chavista" was a counter-revolutionary. "It's the holidays and if I want to drink I'll drink."Many view the ban as bold and enlightened. "I've never liked Chávez but this is a good move. Driving at this time of year is to take your life in your hands," said Veronica Castejon (32) a Caracas salesperson.Others across the region urged their governments to follow suit. "I wish we could adopt the same measure in Colombia," one Medellín resident told the BBC.The sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day and between now and then it is illegal to sell alcohol after 5pm. Obtaining a drink after sunset, however, is not so hard. Many of the bars and restaurants still open this week continue service as usual, though with a wink.The police, who also seem to have been surprised by the ban, have ensured that off-licences shut at 5pm but otherwise seem to have turned a blind eye to clandestine consumption.In bars, wine and beer are liable to be served in coffee mugs or polystyrene cups. The atmosphere echoes the Prohibition-era US "speakeasies".
African growth 'steady but frail' African economic growth will accelerate in 2007, though reforms are needed to underpin "very fragile foundations", a United Nations report has said. According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the continent's economies will grow by 5.8% on average in 2007, up from 5.7% a year earlier. Better management and demand for commodities will boost expansion. However, to keep growing, Africa needs to diversify its economic output and spend on infrastructure, the UN warned. (snip) The best-performing economy in Africa last year was Mauritania, which grew by 19.8% as it benefited from oil revenues, the UN said. Angola was the second-best, expanding by 17.6%, and Mozambique was in third position, posting growth of 7.9%. Zimbabwe was the worst performer. Its economy contracted by 4.4% in 2006 because of "political difficulties exacerbated by recurrent droughts", the UN said in its report.
African growth 'steady but frail'
African economic growth will accelerate in 2007, though reforms are needed to underpin "very fragile foundations", a United Nations report has said.
According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, the continent's economies will grow by 5.8% on average in 2007, up from 5.7% a year earlier.
Better management and demand for commodities will boost expansion.
However, to keep growing, Africa needs to diversify its economic output and spend on infrastructure, the UN warned.
(snip)
The best-performing economy in Africa last year was Mauritania, which grew by 19.8% as it benefited from oil revenues, the UN said.
Angola was the second-best, expanding by 17.6%, and Mozambique was in third position, posting growth of 7.9%.
Zimbabwe was the worst performer. Its economy contracted by 4.4% in 2006 because of "political difficulties exacerbated by recurrent droughts", the UN said in its report.
19% growth - but who benefits?
Business of Global Warming Feels a Lot Like Inquisition By William F. Buckley
This is William Buckley, the philosophical "father" of the modern (neo)conservative movement/coalition. In particular, he is the founder of National Review. Recently he spoke his discontent regarding the Iraq war. Now he speaks on Gloabl Warming... and it hurts him like Inquisition! Who would have thought that he knows that pain!
A CEO With A Spine By ALICIA COLON The New York Coal Trade Association, headquartered in New York City, recently held its 94th annual banquet and meeting at the New York Hilton. One of the guest speakers was Bob Murray, founder and CEO of Murray Energy Corporation and probably one of the few CEOs brave enough to challenge the militant climate control movement that threatens the future of America's economy. In his speech, he dared to say that he regards Al Gore as the shaman of global doom and gloom. He is not joking when he says, "He is more dangerous than his global warming."
The New York Coal Trade Association, headquartered in New York City, recently held its 94th annual banquet and meeting at the New York Hilton. One of the guest speakers was Bob Murray, founder and CEO of Murray Energy Corporation and probably one of the few CEOs brave enough to challenge the militant climate control movement that threatens the future of America's economy. In his speech, he dared to say that he regards Al Gore as the shaman of global doom and gloom. He is not joking when he says, "He is more dangerous than his global warming."
What can you do with these heroes? Can I call them pathetic?
